AS the UK sizzled into the record books yesterday North Wales was hit by thunderstorms.

AS the UK sizzled into the record books yesterday North Wales was hit by thunderstorms.

Sadly, the soaring temperatures on Saturday brought tragedy when a swimmer, thought to be trying to cool down, drowned in a Wrexham lake.

But rain and misty skies yesterday morning did little to deter tourists as thousands poured into resorts with the tourism trade basking in the success of one of the best summers on record.

Hotels, guest houses and camp sites were packed and sea fronts at Rhyl, Colwyn Bay, Llandudno and other resorts along the coast were thronged.

David Williams, hoteliers' chairman at Llandudno, said: "I would say that this is the best August since the 1960s. Crowded beaches are like I remember from in the old days," said Mr Williams

Council workmen were called out to clear a tree, thought to be brought down in the morning storm, which was blocking the B5105 at Llanfihangel Glyn Myfyr near Cerrigydruidion for an hour yesterday.

Meanwhile police issued a warning after a man drowned in a tragic swimming accident in a lake in North Wales.

North Wales Police, who were called out about 7.30pm on Saturday, said the 27-year-old victim was with friends at Moss Valley Lake in Wrexham.

Divers found the body four hours later. The man, not yet named, was local. His death is not being treated as suspicious.

The lake, popular with anglers, is about two miles outside Wrexham between Brynteg and Summerhill.

Beach patrols and police were kept busy as children became separated from their parents. And a blanket of thick sea fog, which descended quickly over Anglesey and parts of Gwynedd on Saturday afternoon, caught out dozens of sailors.

Six small boats reported they were in difficulties to Holyhead coastguard. Holyhead lifeboat spokesman Ray Steadman said rescuers spent nine hours at dealing with several incidents.

Porthdinllaen lifeboat were also called out to assist a boat in difficulties off Trefor in Caernarfon Bay. No one was injured in any of the incidents.